Postmen and postwomen across Ireland will expand their job description during the Covid-19 pandemic as An Post announced they will be ‘checking-in’ with older and vulnerable people along their delivery route at least once a week.
They will check on their well-being by way of a set of standard questions and any requests for provisions or medicines will be relayed directly back to the local HSE team. An Post will also support the delivery of such essential supplies back to these customers.
An Post also said it is also working with the National Newspapers of Ireland on a new scheme which will see them delivering local and national newspapers to people’s homes.
“Postal workers have always been central to their communities and are anxious to help this national effort to get us through this crisis,” said Stevie Fitzpatrick, General Secretary of the Communications Workers’ Union.
“They have come up with these great ideas for community support that the CWU is now putting in place with An Post and the Government.”
“Postal delivery staff know their customers better than anyone, particularly in rural areas, they’re trusted and they very often have a well-established rapport with many people living alone in isolated areas.”
An Post bosses believe its a great solution given that their staff are already set up to take up such roles.
“An Post delivery staff are all security-cleared, capable and clued-in. We know that our people are already providing huge support to many older and isolated people along their postal route, or as part of community volunteering efforts” added An Post CEO David McRedmond
“Now we’ll be linking formally with local health and welfare services to ensure the best support for vulnerable customers”.
“The health and safety of our staff is paramount and we will we adhering to HSE protocols at all times,” he added,